Swiss stocks - Factors to watch on Nov 19

ZURICH Nov 19 (Reuters) - Swiss shares were seen opening slightly lower on Thursday, with other European equities markets mixed after United States indices closed little changed overnight.

The blue chip SMI index .SSMI was expected to open 4 points lower at 6,365 points, according to pre-market data from bank Clariden Leu CLPRE.

The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks on Thursday

SWATCH GROUP (UHR.VX), RICHEMONT (CFR.VX)

Data shows Swiss watch exports fell 22.7 percent year on year in nominal terms to 1.3 billion francs.

ROCHE, NOVARTIS (ROG.VX)(NOVN.VX)

* Roche and Novartis's asthma drug Xolair should not be approved for children aged 6 to 11, a U.S. advisory panel decided on Wednesday.

* Roche unit Genentech and Biogen Idec (BIIB.O) received a complete response from America's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Rituxan for chronic lymphocytic leukemia on Wednesday and said they would continue final label discussions with the FDA. The FDA has not requested any new data to complete its review of these applications, they said.

For related news, click on [ROGN.VX][NOVN.VX]

* UBS (UBSN.VX)(UBS.N)

Moody's Investors Service on Wednesday cut its ratings on UBS, citing challenges the Swiss bank faces from a loss of customer confidence and declining investment banking revenues.

For related news, click on [UBSN.VX]

* CLARIANT (CLN.VX)

Swiss specialist chemicals maker Clariant AG said on Thursday it would cut 570 jobs and close sites in France, Britain, Mexico and Germany.

For related news click on [CLN.VX]

ECONOMY [M-CH]

Data shows Swiss trade surplus 2.46 billion francs in October.

COMPANY STATEMENTS [CNR-CH]

* ADECCO (ADEN.VX): Jacobs Holding AG, reports a shareholding in Adecco S.A. of 26.36 pct (21.67 pct registered shares) [ADEN.VX]

* Dufry (DUFN.S) signs contract to operate in Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport [DUFN.S]

* Gategroup (GATE.S), the leading independent provider of onboard products and services to the world's airlines, has extended business for its Gate Gourmet brand with Swiss International Airlines for three years until the end of 2015. The deal covers a business spend in excess of 600 million Swiss francs ($594.6 million).

* Zueblin (ZUBN.S) announces solid half-year results for full-year 2009/2010 [ZUBN.S]

EQUITY RESEARCH [CH-RCH]

* UBS adds SGS (SGSN.VX) to "least-preferred list"

FOR COMPANIES TRADING EX-DIVIDEND, PLEASE CLICK ON:

.EX.S for all Swiss stocks

.EXSMI.S for blue chips

.EXNSMI.S for other stocks